Tactical flashlights are a kind of gear classes the place you possibly can spend wherever from twenty bucks to 2 hundred and nonetheless find yourself with one thing that works. The query is whether or not you’re getting precise worth or simply paying for a reputation. 5.11 Tactical has been making gear for regulation enforcement and civilian use for years, and their Response XR1T sits proper in that center floor at $75. I’ve been carrying it every day for a couple of week, and truthfully, my dad gained’t give it again after I let him borrow it. Let’s get into the 5.11 Tactical Response XR1T and see if it’s definitely worth the cash.
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Specs: 5.11 Tactical Response XR1T
The XR1T is constructed from aerospace-grade machined aluminum with Sort III anodization and carries an IP68 waterproof ranking, that means it’s submersible to 2 meters for half-hour. The sunshine gives two output modes—1200 lumens on excessive with a 280-meter beam distance, and 30 lumens on low with a 50-meter attain. The tail-mounted push button supplies each momentary-on functionality and mode switching, with raised sides across the button to stop unintended activation. What units this aside from cheaper lights is the battery flexibility: it runs on two CR123A batteries (included) or a single 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery with the included adapter sleeve.
- Mild Output (Excessive Mode): 1200 lumens, 280m beam distance, 1.5 hour runtime
- Mild Output (Low Mode): 30 lumens, 50m beam distance, 20 hour runtime
- Building: Aerospace-grade machined aluminum, Sort III anodization
- Water Resistance: IP68 (submersible to 2 meters for half-hour)
- Size: 5.75 inches
- Physique Diameter: 1 inch
- Head Diameter: 1.4 inches
- Energy Supply: 2x CR123A batteries (included) or 18650 rechargeable Li-ion (not included)
- Options: Tail push button with momentary-on, detachable pocket clip, battery adapter sleeve included
- Weight: (Not specified by producer)
At $75, the Response XR1T sits in the midst of the tactical flashlight market. You’ll find cheaper lights that declare related output, however they’re normally lacking the construct high quality or battery choices. The IP68 ranking and aerospace-grade building put it above fundamental ironmongery store lights, whereas the value retains it accessible in comparison with premium manufacturers that push into the $100-150 vary for related specs. 5.11 isn’t making wild claims about this being the brightest or hardest gentle available on the market—they’re positioning it as a dependable, versatile choice that gained’t break the financial institution.
“When the mission calls for a conveyable gentle resolution that’s versatile and dependable, look no additional than our Response XR1T Flashlight. Machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, the Response XR1T can take a beating. It’s earned an IP68 waterproof ranking, and is absolutely submersible at 2 meters for half-hour. Your selection of three energy outputs—from 1,250 to 40 lumens—is rapidly chosen on the tailcap, which additionally permits momentary activation. Powered by a pair of widespread CR123 batteries, or an optionally available 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery, this compact flashlight is at all times at hand because of the detachable clip. Mild it up quick with the Response XR1T.”
First Impressions: 5.11 Tactical Response XR1T
The packaging is nothing particular, normal pegboard retail stuff you’d see hanging in any tactical provide retailer. Unassuming. Inside, you get the flashlight, two CR123A batteries, a battery adapter sleeve, a detachable pocket clip already connected, and a fundamental person guide. No case, no extras, simply what it’s good to begin utilizing it.
While you pull the XR1T out, it’s instantly clear this factor is constructed proper. Stable machined aluminum, good weight to it, none of that hole feeling you get from cheaper lights. The feel on the physique offers you one thing to grip with out being aggressive sufficient to tear up your pocket. The anodizing feels sturdy, although I can’t communicate to long-term put on after only a week.
What caught my consideration immediately was the pinnacle. It’s wider than the physique—1.4 inches versus 1 inch—which isn’t my choice for on a regular basis carry. I like uniform pocket lights. Their XR1C (which seems to be discontinued now) could be extra my pace for that cause alone. However that’s aesthetics. Functionally, it’s fantastic. Doesn’t catch popping out of the pocket, simply seems to be totally different than what I’m used to. The detachable clip works effectively for edge-of-pocket carry with the sunshine sitting inside your pocket quite than hanging out.
The tail button has raised sides that instantly made sense—pocket safety towards unintended activation. I by no means had a problem with it turning on once I didn’t need it to. The battery adapter sleeve is a pleasant contact. The batteries sit in there strong with zero rattle, which issues greater than you’d suppose.
Within the Subject: 5.11 Tactical Response XR1T
I put this gentle by way of its paces all over the place I might consider. Gunsmithing work trying inside actions and looking for these tiny components that at all times appear to teleport throughout the store flooring. Up on the cabin poking round in an previous shed. Basic use at work. Day by day pocket carry changing my common gentle. I didn’t got down to torture take a look at it—no drop exams, didn’t dunk it in water, nevertheless it lived in my pocket or my hand for a couple of week straight.
The beam is crisp. No bizarre artifacts or hotspots, however the edges are delicate sufficient that you just’re not giving every little thing an x-ray. After I lit up the world outdoors the cabin at night time, yeah, 1200 lumens is 1200 lumens. It’s vibrant. I didn’t do scientific beam distance testing, nevertheless it reaches. For close-up work like inspecting the within of a firearm or discovering dropped components on a darkish store flooring, it did precisely what I wanted.
My common EDC gentle sits at about 1000 lumens, so the XR1T’s output wasn’t an enormous leap. What I did miss was the magnet on my regular gentle. That’s useful whenever you want hands-free work. The XR1T doesn’t have that, so that you’re clipping it someplace or holding it. Not a dealbreaker, simply totally different.
Right here’s the place I needed to adapt: the interface. The tail button has a momentary-on operate when you half-press it, and a full click on locks it on. Then you possibly can change between excessive and low modes, although I’m not solely certain of the precise sequence anymore as a result of I’m impatient and heavy-handed. I can do the half-press factor, I simply don’t care to. My motor abilities are very nutcracker in nature, so intentional gentle presses aren’t my sturdy go well with. The button itself works fantastic—I simply want easier interfaces that don’t make me take into consideration what I’m doing.
That 30-lumen low mode exists, and I used it, however I’m undecided how usually I’d truly select it. I get why it’s there—close-up work the place 1200 lumens drowns out element—however a part of me prefers the easier strategy of simply having one setting. If I’m reaching for a light-weight, I would like gentle. The mode switching makes me suppose greater than I wish to once I’m simply attempting to see one thing.
The batteries held up fantastic. I ran it on the included CR123A batteries the entire time and by no means observed any drop in efficiency, although I didn’t run them lifeless. The sunshine claims 1.5 hours on excessive with these batteries. I imagine it. You may run an 18650 rechargeable on this, which I’d most likely want if I had been shopping for one for myself. I didn’t take a look at that because the battery isn’t included, however having the choice is wise.
Remaining Ideas: 5.11 Tactical Response XR1T
Seventy-five bucks sits proper in that goldilocks zone for worth and high quality. It’s not low cost sufficient to really feel such as you’re compromising, and it’s not costly sufficient to make you hesitate about truly utilizing it. The 5.11 Tactical Response XR1T is a strong, well-built gentle that does precisely what it’s imagined to do. The broader head isn’t my favourite for EDC aesthetics, and I’d quite have a less complicated interface, however these are preferences, not issues.
My dad’s by no means owned a extremely good flashlight. His work might need given him one sooner or later, but when they did, it was plain and unimpressive. He wants a light-weight for work, and since I gave him this one, he’s been carrying it. I assure if I attempted to take it again, I’d get unhappy pet eyes. That’s as sincere a assessment as you’re going to get. If I wanted a light-weight to depart within the automotive, preserve bedside, or toss in a toolbox, I’d purchase considered one of these from 5.11 with out considering twice. This expertise has me different 5.11 lights. That claims sufficient.
In closing, I wish to say thanks to 5.11 Tactical for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their Response XR1T Flashlight. That’s drastically appreciated. Additionally, we want to know what all of you guys and gals suppose? What’s your go-to EDC flashlight? Have you ever had good experiences with 5.11 gear? Tell us within the feedback under.
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